When Efren Geronimo Peñaflorida rolled his makeshift pushcart into a dusty alley in Cavite City nearly two decades ago, he wasn’t just bringing books… he was bringing hope. What began as a humble effort to steer Filipino children away from gang life has become a global symbol of grassroots education. In 2009, Peñaflorida’s work earned him the title of CNN Hero of the Year, spotlighting a movement that reminded the world that classrooms don’t need walls to be transformative.
More than a decade later, that same spirit lives on in projects like Kwento at Kaalaman, a mobile library and storytelling program founded by a group of Baby Jaycees from JCI Manila, inspired by Peñaflorida’s example and fueled by a shared belief: every child deserves a chance to learn, no matter where they are.
Efren Peñaflorida: The Original Pushcart Educator
Born on March 5, 1981, Peñaflorida grew up in the slums of Cavite City, surrounded by poverty, violence, and limited opportunities. As a child, he was bullied and exposed to the dangers of street gangs. But instead of giving in, he chose to fight back—not with fists, but with books. At 16, he founded Dynamic Teen Company, a group of young volunteers who taught reading and writing to children in unconventional spaces—cemeteries, trash dumps, sidewalks.
The centerpiece of his advocacy was the Kariton Klasrum, a pushcart turned into a mobile classroom filled with books, pencils, and small chalkboards. These carts became a lifeline for children who had no access to formal schooling. By 2009, Efren and his group had reached more than 10,000 children. His story resonated so deeply that CNN named him Hero of the Year, giving him a global platform to expand his mission and inspire a new generation of Filipino youth.
His core message? “You are the change.” That same message is now being echoed by the young men of JCI Manila, bringing stories and literacy to the streets of Tondo.
Kwento at Kaalaman: A New Chapter Begins
Launched in Barangay 128, Smokey Mountain, Kwento at Kaalaman is a fresh take on mobile literacy, combining storytelling, reading sessions, and community youth empowerment. The project was built by Baby Jaycees who, much like Peñaflorida in his early years, are driven by purpose and humility.
Chairman Anton Mapoy led the project with clear coordination between JCI Manila and local youth leaders. Vice Chairman Kunal Sadhwani ensured smooth planning. Derrick So managed logistics and deployment, while Chris Donato handled budgeting and finance. This small team worked with dedication to make sure every detail reflected the project’s mission: education for all, anywhere and anytime.
Fueling the Dream: Support from Sponsors
Believing in their vision were sponsors like The Pablo Project, Villa Excellance Beach and Wave Pool Resort, Xiaomi Philippines, Penline Stationery, Maven Workwear, Cargo Boss Philippines, and Matthew Bautista. Just like the community support that kept Peñaflorida’s carts rolling, these partners showed that education is everyone’s responsibility.
The resources raised covered books, snacks, learning kits, and branding—all designed to create a fun, memorable, and safe experience for the children and their volunteer mentors.
A Project Rooted in Community
Barangay 128, known for its history as a former dumpsite, was chosen not only for its needs but also for its active youth network. Thanks to the support of Kagawad Alma Geli, SK Chairperson Angelica Cular, and the You Lead youth group, the rollout was both community-led and community-owned.
During the launch, Chairperson Cular shared, “It’s projects like these that show the children they matter—that their dreams and learning deserve support.”
Just like Efren, who empowered youth volunteers to teach their own peers, the Baby Jaycees of JCI Manila involved the local teens in every step—planting seeds for sustained impact long after the event ended.
Why JCI Manila?
Asked why they joined JCI, the team said: “We saw it as a platform where we could grow by giving back.” That belief was at the heart of Kwento at Kaalaman. It wasn’t just about one reading day, it was about showing children that learning can be joyful, and showing youth that they can lead.
The project embodied the JCI values of active citizenship and sustainable service, while also living out the legacy of Peñaflorida, who proved that the biggest change often starts from the smallest cart.
Turning the Page: What’s Next?
As they work toward regular membership in JCI Manila, the team aims to scale Kwento at Kaalaman to other high-need areas, train more youth storytellers, and deepen partnerships. They dream of a country where every barangay has a version of this project—led by youth, for youth.
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